Giving Thanks at NorthWind
Each year, NorthWind hosts a Thanksgiving Dinner for the employees. This year, the Thanksgiving Dinner was held on site, in conjunction with our monthly Lunch and Learn meeting.
Thanksgiving is a celebration of sharing and abundance. It is an appreciation for all that life brings us, whether it is good or bad, because even our worst moments can serve as a learning experience and shape us in positive ways. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things we are most grateful for and to share that gratitude with the people who matter most.
NorthWind values this time of reflection and sharing, not only by celebrating a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with one another, but by extension, demonstrating some of our core values, such as Relationship – where we focus on building relationships not only with customers and vendors, but with each other, and People, where we believe every person has intrinsic value and we have a responsibility to care for the communities where we work and live. These core values are very much exhibited by NorthWind employees and are reflective of the spirit of Thanksgiving.
The meal was catered by Buzz Cafe, Sabetha. KS. Buzz prepared the delicious turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans. The rest of the food was brought in by the NorthWind employees who attended the event. There were all kinds of homemade breads and rolls, side dishes, dips, charcuterie items, homemade pies, and desserts, and one of my personal favorites – a delicious chocolate caramel poke cake that was so decadent, it should be illegal. No one should have left work that day hungry.
Mike led the group in a prayer of Thanksgiving, and the meal was enjoyed by 45-50 NorthWind employees. Komari Aberle, HR led us in a game of “Would You Rather?” which included questions such as “Would you rather eat a pound of creamy yellow butter or drink a gallon of thick brown gravy?” “Would you rather make all your food into a giant Thanksgiving sandwich or find out that there are no leftovers whatsoever?” and “Would you rather get pie crumbs all over your computer keyboard or mashed potatoes and gravy smeared all over your computer screen?”. Laughter ensued.
After the meal, our monthly Lunch and Learn was conducted and then the happy, well fed employees returned to their workstations to finish out the day. Now, I cannot confirm or deny if much work was accomplished after that hearty meal, but I can confirm that we all are thankful not only for the turkey and trimmings, but for the friendship, the fellowship, the strong relationships we have built and for being part of the NorthWind family!
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